Combination shirt and suspenders

ABSTRACT

A combination shirt and suspenders includes an undershirt or t-shirt together with a pair of suspender straps. The suspender straps are secured to the underlying shirt surface by sewn seams. Each suspender strap further supports an end strap having a fabric attachment portion thereon. The user wears the shirt in a conventional manner and secures the suspender straps to a pants belt or waistband to provide suspender support of the wearer&#39;s pants.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to wearing apparel and particularly to suspenders used therewith.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Suspenders comprise a well-known and well established article of clothing apparel and garment accessories. Through the years, practitioners have developed suspenders for practical use of holding a pair of pants or shorts up without the need for a belt or similar article. Additionally, suspenders have been developed for fashion articles in keeping with various trends of style and fashion through the years. As a result, suspenders have been provided which substantially vary in style, color, design and fabrication.

Despite this variation in style and fabrication, the basic suspenders have changed little from the fundamental structure and use in which a pair of shoulder straps are passed over each shoulder on either side of the wearer's neck. The frontal ends of the shoulder straps extend down the wearers chest and abdomen while the remaining ends of the shoulder straps pass downwardly over the back of the wearer. Each of the straps is attachable to the wearer's pants. Thus, two strap ends are secured to the front waistband of the pants while the remaining two are secured to the rear portion of the wearer's waistband. Typically, a plurality of buttons are located on the interior of the pants waistband and are used in cooperation with button holes formed on the suspender strap ends. Alternatively, a plurality of snap clasps are used to secure the strap ends to the pants waistband. In this manner, suspenders are effective to support pants upon the wearer's waist and maintain them in position without the need for a belt or the like. In accordance with various fashion preferences however, users may still choose to wear a belt despite the ample support provided by suspenders.

For the most part, suspenders are worn over an outer shirt which is tucked into the wearer's pants. Proper attachment of suspenders to the pants waistbands require the tucking in of the underlying shirt or shirts into the waistband to facilitate attachment of the suspenders.

As a result, wearing conventional suspenders with an outer shirt which is not tucked into the wearer's pants is not an available option since waistband attachment is prevented by the untucked shirt covering the pants waistband. This difficulty makes the use of suspenders inconvenient if not practical for persons who desire to wear their shirts without to wear their shirts without tucking them into the pants waistband.

In view of the substantial popularity and fashion in which it is desired to wear a shirt untucked, there arises a need in the art for an effective suspender design which facilitates the untucked shirt of the wearer while simultaneously providing the highly desirable pants support provided by suspenders.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is a general object of the present invention to provide an improved system for wearing and utilizing suspenders. It is a more particular object of the present invention to provide an improved system and apparatus which facilitates wearing suspenders and which simultaneously accommodates the wearer's preference for not tucking in the wearer's shirt. In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a combination shirt and suspenders comprising: a shirt configured to be worn by a user having front and rear portions meeting at shoulders areas; a pair of suspender straps secured to the shirt and each extending front to back upon said shirt; and a plurality of strap ends joined to the suspender straps each having means for attachment to a pair of pants worn by a user, the shirt being worn by a user and tucked into a pair of pants while the strap ends and the suspender straps support the user's pants. From another perspective of the present invention, for use with a pair of pants worn by a user, a combination shirt and suspenders comprising: a shirt configured to be worn by a user; and a pair of suspender straps secured to the shirt having means for attachment to a pair of pants. In a still further perspective of the present invention, for use with a pair of pants, a combination comprising: a shirt having integrally formed suspenders joined to said shirt and having means for attachment to a pair of pants.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features of the present invention, which are believed to be novel, are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention, together with further objects and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in the several figures of which like reference numerals identify like elements and in which:

FIG. 1 sets forth a front view of a combination shirt and suspenders constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 sets forth a rear view of the present invention combination shirt and suspenders;

FIG. 3 sets forth a side elevation view of a typical wearer having the present invention combination shirt and suspenders being worn together with a belt;

FIG. 4 sets forth a front view of the wearer having the present invention combination shirt and suspenders of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 sets forth a partial view of the rear attachment of the present invention combination shirt and suspenders;

FIG. 6 sets forth a partial view of a typical attachment for the present invention combination shirt and suspenders utilized without a belt;

FIG. 7 sets forth a front view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 8 sets forth a rear view of the alternate embodiment shown in FIG. 7.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 sets forth a front view of a combination shirt and suspenders constructed in accordance with the present invention and generally referenced by numeral 10. Combination 10 includes a shirt 11 which may be fabricated generally in accordance with conventional fabrication techniques and thus is preferably formed of a t-shirt or undershirt. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that while shirt 11 is shown as a conventional t-shirt or undershirt, a variety of different shirts may be utilized in the present invention combination. In accordance with the present invention, combination 10 includes a pair of suspender straps 12 and 13 passing over the shoulder portions of shirt 11. Strap 12 is joined to the front surface of shirt 11 by a pair of sewn seams 30 and 31. Strap 12 terminates at its frontal end in a reinforcement area 34 which comprises a plurality of sewn seams generally arranged in a multi path criss-cross configuration. In further accordance with the present invention, a strap end 14 having a fabric attachment pad area 20 supported therein is joined to the lower end of suspender strap 12 at reinforcement 34. In its preferred fabrication, fabric attachment 20 comprises an attachment pad manufactured and sold under the trademark “Velcro Omni-Tape”. This fabric attachment pad advances the previously provided hook-and-loop fabric attachment pads by providing alternating hook-and-loop attachments upon the length of the attachment pad. The alternating of hook-and-loop attachment rows facilitates the capability of the attachment to fold upon itself and form a hook-and-loop attachment. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art however that while this type of attachment pad is preferred in the embodiment of the present invention shown herein, the present invention may also be fabricated using the more conventional hook-and-loop separate pads to form an attachment without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Combination 10 includes a suspender strap 13 which passes over the shoulder portion of shirt 11 and which is virtually identical to suspender strap 12. Thus, suspender strap 13 is joined to shirt 11 by a pair of sewn seams 32 and 33. In further similarity, a strap end 15 is joined to strap 13 at reinforcement 35 and supports a fabric attachment 21.

FIG. 2 sets forth a rear view of combination shirt and suspenders 10. As can be seen, straps 12 and 13 pass over the shoulder portions of shirt 11 and meet at a junction 36. Thus, strap 12 is secured to the underlying surface of shirt 11 by sewn seams 30 and 31 which continue downwardly to junction 36. Similarly, sewn seams 32 and 33 of strap 13 continue downwardly to junction 36. Junction 36 further includes a reinforcement portion 37 which, as mentioned above, comprises a plurality of criss-cross seams for strengthening of junction 36 and for attaching a pair of strap ends 40 and 41. Strap end 40 includes an attachment portion 42 while strap end 41 includes an attachment portion 43. In accordance with the above-described description of strap ends 14 and 15, attachments 42 and 43 in their preferred fabrication comprise the above-described “Velcro Omni-Tape”. Alternatively however, conventional hook-and-loop attachment pads may be utilized for strap ends 40 and 41.

In the preferred fabrication of the present invention, suspender straps 12 and 13 as well as junction 36 are formed of a relatively non-stretch fabric material. It is preferred that this fabric material be substantially more resistant to stretching than the fabric which comprises shirt 11. In this manner, straps 12 and 13 together with junction 36 and end straps 14, 15, 40 and 41 are capable of supporting the load imposed by a supported pair of pants in the manner described below in greater detail. Further, the fabrication of suspender straps 12 and 13 as well as junction 36 of a relatively non-stretch material facilitates the use of conventional stretchable fabrics for shirt 11 if desired.

FIG. 3 sets forth a side elevation view of a wearer utilizing the present invention combination shirt and suspenders together with an otherwise conventional pair of pants. More specifically, combination shirt and suspenders 10 includes a shirt 11 worn by the user in a typical manner in which undershirts or t-shirts are frequently worn. As described above, combination 10 includes a pair of suspender straps 12 and 13 (strap 13 seen in FIGS. 1 and 2). Thus, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the side elevation view of FIG. 3 shows the details of attachment utilized for suspender strap 12. However, it will be equally apparent to those skilled in the art that suspender strap 13 (seen in FIGS. 1 and 2) is secured in the same manner as suspender strap 12. Continuing with FIG. 3 the user shown therein is also wearing an otherwise conventional pair of pants 50 together with a conventional belt 51. In further accordance with the conventional fabrication of pants 50, a plurality of loops such as belt loop 52 are secured to the upper portion of pants 50 and receive belt 51.

In accordance with the present invention, shirt 11 is tucked into pants 50 and the strap ends of the present invention suspender straps are looped about belt 51. Thus, strap end 14 having attachment 20 thereon is passed around belt 51 and drawn upwardly in the manner indicated by arrow 45. The hook-and-loop attachment of attachment 20 supported upon strap end 14 facilitates attachment to belt 51 in this manner. Similarly, FIG. 3 shows junction 36 secured to shirt 11 and supporting strap end 40 having attachment 42 formed thereon. In further accordance with the present invention, strap end 40 is looped about belt 51 and drawn upwardly in the manner indicated by arrow 44. The fabric attachment provided by attachment 42 secures the end portion of strap end 40 in the manner shown. Of importance to note in accordance with the present invention, shirt 11 which may typically comprise a t-shirt or other type of undershirt is worn tucked into pants 50 facilitating the attachment of the strap ends to belt 51. In this manner, a suspender support for pants 50 is provided as the load or weight of pants 50 is born by the combination of strap ends 14, 15, 40 and 41 together with suspender straps 12 and 13 in combination with junction 36. Thus, shirt 11 in essence does not support nor is it required to support any of the load of pants 50. Of further importance with respect to the present invention, examination of FIG. 3 having combination 10 worn in the manner indicated and particularly having shirt 11 tucked in to pants 50 facilitates the wearing of an outer shirt which need not be tucked into pants 50. Thus, the wearer utilizing the present invention combination shirt and suspenders is able to provide full suspender support to for pants 50 while simultaneously being able to wear an outer shirt which is not tucked in.

FIG. 4 sets forth a front view of a wearer having the present invention combination shirt and suspenders worn in the manner shown in FIG. 3. More specifically, combination 10 includes a shirt 11 together with a pair of suspender straps 12 and 13. Straps 12 and 13 are secured to shirt 11 by a plurality of sewn seams 30, 31, 32 and 33. Strap 12 terminates in a reinforcement portion 34 to which a strap end 14 having an attachment 20 is secured. Similarly, strap 13 includes a reinforcement area 35 to which a strap end 15 is joined which in turn supports an attachment 21. Also shown in FIG. 4 is a pair of conventional pants 50 having a plurality of belt loops 52, 53, 54 and 55 which receive a belt 51. In accordance with the present invention, strap end 14 is passed behind and looped about belt 51 and thereafter secured in the manner shown utilizing attachment 20. Similarly, strap end 15 is passed behind and looped about belt 51 and secured in the manner shown using attachment 21. With temporary referenced to FIG. 5, it will be noted that strap ends 40 and 41 perform similar attachments to belt 51 upon the rear of combination 10.

Returning to FIG. 4, it will be again noted that shirt 11 is worn tucked into pants 50 facilitating the attachment of strap ends 14 and 15 (as well as ends 40 and 41 shown in FIG. 5). Once again, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the use of combination 10 facilitates full suspender support of pants 50 while maintaining the option for the wearer of utilizing an outer shirt need not be tucked into pants 50.

FIG. 5 sets forth a partial view of the rear portion of the present invention combination shirt and suspenders showing the attachment to belt 51. As described above, shirt 11 supports a pair of suspender straps 12 and 13 which combine at junction 36. As is also described above, straps 12 and 13 as well as junction 36 are joined to shirt 11 by a plurality of sewn seams 30, 31, 32 and 33. Further, the lower portion of junction 36 supports a reinforcement portion 37 which comprises a plurality of sewn seams preferably in a criss-cross reinforcing pattern. A pair of strap ends 40 and 41 are joined to junction 36 and shirt 11 by reinforcement portion 37. In accordance with the above-described attachment, strap ends 40 and 41 are passed behind and looped about 51 to complete the attachment of the present invention combination shirt and suspenders to belt 51. It will also be noted that shirt 11 is shown tucked into pants 50.

FIG. 6 sets forth a partial view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention which facilitates attachment of the present invention combination shirt and suspenders to a pair of pants without the use of a belt. It will be understood that the attachment shown in FIG. 6 is illustrative of the attachment of each of the end straps in the present invention combination. Thus for purposes of illustration, a pair of pants 50 is shown having a waistband portion 60 which supports a plurality of belt loops such as belt loop 56. It will be noted that belt 51 is not present in the embodiment shown in FIG. 6. To utilize the present invention without resort to a belt such as belt 51 shown in the embodiments shown above, a clip 25 is utilized to provide an attachment between the strap end and a proximate belt loop. In the illustration shown in FIG. 6, a clip 25 includes a hook 26 which receives the upper portion of belt loop 56. Clip 25 defines a slot 27 which receives strap end 16 by passing strap end 16 through slot 27. Strap end 16 is fabricated in accordance with the above-described fabrication of strap ends and supports a hook-and-loop attachment 17. Thus, strap end 16 having been passed through slot 27 of clip 25 is looped upwardly and secured using hook-and-loop attachment 17. In this manner, each of the strap ends (strap ends 14, 15, 40 and 41 shown above) may be secured to a belt loop utilizing a clip fabricated in accordance with clip 25. In this manner, the present invention combination shirt and suspenders may be utilized without requiring a belt to support a pair of pants upon the wearer.

FIGS. 7 and 8 set forth respective front and rear views of an alternate embodiment of the present invention combination shirt and suspenders generally referenced by numeral 60. Combination 60 includes a shirt 61 having a pair of reinforcing attachments 66 and 67 on the front of shirt 61 and a reinforcement 68 on the rear thereof. Reinforcements 66 and 67 preferably comprise multiple sewn stitch seams securing a pair of strap ends 62 and 63 to shirt 61. Strap ends 62 and 63 in turn support attachment fabric portions 64 and 65.

Similarly, reinforcement 68 secures strap ends 69 and 71 to the rear of shirt 61 using sewn seams. Strap ends 69 and 71 bear fabric attachments 70 and 72.

The embodiment shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 is particularly appropriate for use with a shirt formed of a relatively non-stretch material. In this use, the use of sewn on straps, such as straps 12 and 13 (seen in FIGS. 1 and 2) is not necessary. In this use, the fabric of shirt 61 may bear the suspender load of strap ends 62, 63, 69 and 71. Of course, the attachment of strap ends 62, 63, 69 and 71 is nonetheless carried forward in the manner shown in FIGS. 1 through 6 for strap ends 14, 15, 40, 41 and 17 described above.

What has been shown is a combination shirt and suspenders which facilitates full suspender support of a pair of pants while accommodating the users preference for wearing an outer shirt which is not tucked into the wearers pants. The combination shown facilitates use in combination with a conventional belt or in the absence of a belt utilizing attachment to the belt loops of the wearer's pants. The combination shirt and suspenders described above is readily used with a variety of supporting shirts in the combination.

While particular embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the invention in its broader aspects. Therefore, the aim in the appended claims is to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. 

1. A combination shirt and suspenders comprising: a shirt configured to be worn by a user having front and rear portions meeting at shoulders areas; a pair of suspender straps secured to said shirt and each extending front to back upon said shirt; and a plurality of strap ends joined to said suspender straps each having means for attachment to a pair of pants worn by a user, said shirt being worn by a user and tucked into a pair of pants while said strap ends and said suspender straps support the user's pants.
 2. The combination set forth in claim 1 wherein said strap ends include areas of hook and loop fabric attachment material.
 3. The combination set forth in claim 2 wherein said suspender straps are secured to said shirt by sewn attachment.
 4. The combination set forth in claim 3 wherein said suspender straps join to form a junction upon said rear portion of said shirt.
 5. The combination set forth in claim 4 wherein said means for attachment includes a plurality of clips each having a hook for attaching to a belt loop and a slot for receiving a strap end.
 6. The combination set forth in claim 5 wherein said suspender straps are fabricated of a material which is relatively non-stretch.
 7. For use with a pair of pants worn by a user, a combination shirt and suspenders comprising: a shirt configured to be worn by a user; a pair of front attachment means, secured to said shirt, for attachment to a pair of pants; and at least one rear attachment means, secured to said shirt, for attachment to a pair of pants.
 8. The combination set forth in claim 7 wherein said attachment means each include areas of hook and loop fabric attachment material.
 9. The combination set forth in claim 8 further including suspender straps secured to said shirt by sewn attachment extending between said front attachment means and said at least one rear attachment means.
 10. The combination set forth in claim 9 wherein said suspender straps join to form a junction upon said rear portion of said shirt.
 11. The combination set forth in claim 10 wherein said means for attachment includes a plurality of clips each having a hook for attaching to a belt loop and a slot for receiving a strap end.
 12. The combination set forth in claim 11 wherein said suspender straps are fabricated of a material which is relatively non-stretch.
 13. For use with a pair of pants, a combination comprising: a shirt having integrally formed suspenders joined to said shirt and having means for attachment to a pair of pants. 